Ideology

The word ‘ideology’ is defined as “a system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.” Removing the political context of this concept, we all must be aware of what ideologies we are operating from. 

Over the course of our lives we develop our own ideologies. Experiences, lessons, and moments inform the way that we see the world. Psychologist John Locke says we’re all born ‘Tabula Rasa’, which translates to being a ‘blank slate’. Outside of the core beliefs and instincts that we inherit through evolution, everything else is imprinted on us.

When two different people are exposed to two different things, they can develop very different worldviews and ideologies. And the most remarkable part is people thnk that what they believe is the truth.

Our ideologies are made up of our beliefs, values, and principles. It’s our understanding of how the world works around us and how we exist within the world. As we develop we slowly arrive at what makes sense to us and eventually embody ideologies as our identity, generating a sense of safety for what’s familiar about it.

Unfortunately this causes us to be resistant to anything else and keep assigning meaning to external events that are in alignment with our ideology. 

But in order for us to maximize our impact on the world, connect with others more authentically, and see all of the possibilities available to us rather than just the narrow lens we allow ourselves to see - we need to challenge our ideologies.

When we’re open minded to new perspectives and ways of thinking, a new world opens up. This is expanding our worldview!

And the best way to initiate that is by disrupting the unconscious pattern. Ask yourself “Is this the truth, or my subjective truth?” More often than not you’ll find that your thoughts are a judgment of the situation and not representative of the undeniable facts.